After Nearly 80 Years, Public Safety Will Get an Upgrade in Norwich

Norwich police chief Patrick Daley presented a proposal to upgrade the city’s public safety communications system in front of Norwich’s Public Safety sub-committee, reported The Bulletin.

“Norwich Police’s low band radio system is no longer suitable for mission critical public communications,” Daley said. “This endangers both citizens and officers.”

The current system dates back to the 1940s and according to Daley, it will be more cost effective to contract with Motorola to upgrade the system than to build a proprietary one.

If approved by City Council, an ordinance will ask voters to approve $2.7 million for upgrades, paid through bonds, for the radio system overhaul, including building communications towers and accompanying infrastructure.

Additionally, it’s estimated that the system will require between $80,000 and $85,000 per year for the first five years for maintenance and upgrades, reported The Bulletin.

During the presentation, Daley said the department has prepared a plan that would upgrade the Norwich Police communications system, allowing it to be integrated with the State of Connecticut’s Trunked Radio System being used by state police.

Alderman Stacy Gould asked what recourse the city would have if the promised coverage levels were not met. “Motorola would be contractually obligated to provide coverage as expressed,” said Motorola system engineer Rob Cady. “If the coverage was not met, it is on Motorola to address it.”

Following the presentation, the public safety subcommittee unanimously voted to support the ordinance.